County by county news for Wednesday

Rochelle Brown, 53, was hit by a truck shortly before 7 p.m. on North Marietta Parkway near Allgood Road, according to Officer Michael Gardner with Marietta police.

The driver of the truck stopped, Gardner said. But at least two or three other drivers also hit Brown, but did not stop. On Monday, investigators continued to seek clues about the drivers who hit Brown and didn’t stop, Gardner said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Marietta police at 770-794-5300.

Two men rob Waffle House in Smyrna

Cobb County Police are working to identify two men who robbed the Waffle House restaurant at 4458 Atlanta Road in Smyrna on Monday evening.

The duo entered the Waffle House around 11 p.m., brandished a handgun and demanded money from the cash register. They fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The first suspect is described as a black male in his late 20s to early 30s, 6 feet tall with a thin build and dark complexion. He wore a black and white checkered bandana over his face and carried a small silver handgun.

The second robber was described as being a black male of similar age and build with a medium complexion.

He wore a ball cap with a red bill and carried a silver handgun, witnesses told police. Andria Simmons

Kennesaw town hall meeting Thursday

Kennesaw Mayor Mark Matthews and city staff department heads will lead a town hall meeting from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. Kennesaw has town hall meetings in February and August. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Seniors, caregivers seminar on Saturday

A free seminar for senior citizens and their caregivers will be held from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Ford Center, 4181 Atlanta St. behind the Powder Springs Library.

Among the discussion topics will be legal issues, identity theft, living arrangement options, medical and drug issues, elder abuse, transportation options, insurance, senior discounts and caregiver organizations.

Information: 770-943-5650. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Registration open for chamber expo

Registration is open for the 2013 Cobb Chamber Business to Business Expo, which takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. May 16 at the Cobb Galleria Exhibition Hall D. Information: jdudley@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2359 or visit www.cobbchamber.org/businessexpo. Jaime Sarrio

African-American heritage event planned

Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society is hosting an African-American heritage event 5 p.m. Saturday at Acworth’s Gallery 4463 on Cherokee St. in Historic Acworth. The event featuring a soul food dinner, gospel music and special art exhibit will continue on to Bethel AME Church and end at Rosenwald School. Information: Abbie Parks, 770-975-1930, abbie.parks@gmail.com or Lee Waller, 770-235-5549, lwa121695@aol.com Meghan de St. Aubin

GWINNETT

One-room fire damages businesses in Buford

A one-room fire damaged several businesses Monday in Buford.

A caller reported smoke coming from the front door of Pak Mail at 2590 Hamilton Road around 6:30 p.m., and firefighters arrived six minutes later to find a fire smouldering in the back room where a sprinkler system had activated to keep the fire at bay.

The fire caused extensive damage to the room and sent smoke and water throughout the business. Two adjacent business in the strip mall sustained slight smoke damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Andria Simmons

Chattahoochee access in Duluth to be easier

Just over a week ago, Duluth officially broke ground for the construction of a canoe launch at Rogers Bridge Park. The concrete launch, to be completed by May, includes a walk-down canoe ramp, a step-down boardwalk, a viewing area, and natural plantings.

The canoe launch project is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Interior, State Department of the National Park Service, and the City of Duluth. Construction will be paid for using Park SPLOST funds.

For more information about the canoe launch contact Kathy Marelle at kmarelle@duluthga.net or 678-417-9269. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Suwanee police earn state certification

The Suwanee Police Department has once again received statewide certification from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.

State certification, which the department first earned in 2000, confirms that agency practices are consistent with progressive professional standards. The certification is valid for three years.

In 2010, the Suwanee Police Department was nationally certified for the first time by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies based on its ability to meet more than 450 standards. Suwanee is scheduled to be reviewed by for re-accreditation later this year. Andria Simmons

Snellville revising sign ordinance

Snellville’s City Council is holding a public hearing for its sign ordinance amendment at its 7:30 p.m. meeting Monday. The amendment is intended to more explicitly address electronic, awning and canopy signage, as well as sign area calculations. The city hopes amending the ordinance will reduce Board of Appeals hearings. Information: Jon Davis, Department of Planning and Development, 770-985-3509, jdavis@snellville.org. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Improvements enhance pedestrian safety

About a mile of sidewalk, curb and gutter are being added to the north side of Lawrenceville Highway from Rockbridge Road to Hillcrest Road, linking new Bryson Park and Lions Club Park. The project includes five bus stop shelters and crosswalks and pedestrian signals at Holly Ridge Drive and Pine Road. Most of the $332,000 project is being funded by an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant. Michael Alpert for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Work brings detour on Cochran Shoals Trail

A temporary detour will be in place through March 11 on the Cochran Shoals Trail in Sandy Springs while a segment of a gas pipeline is replaced.

The maintenance work will affect a 500-foot segment of the northwest side of the trail, beginning at the Columns Drive parking lot.

Information: 678-538-1200, www.nps.gov/chat. Mea Watkins

Crowder is Forsyth’s teacher of the year

South Forsyth High technology teacher Nick Crowder has been named the county’s teacher of the year.

The school’s fifth-year teacher — chair of its career/tech department, coach of its state-champion robotics team and advisor of its technology students association — previously taught at Forsyth Central High School and Vickery Creek Middle School. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Forsyth businesses to be honored Thursday

The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce 2013 Business Awards Luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming.

Small businesses will be honored, along with the best new business and best international business.

U.S. Reps. Rob Woodall and Doug Collins, R- Ga. will speak. Info: 770-887-6461. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock police host self-defense course

The Woodstock Police Department will host a free self-defense course for city residents.

The course will be taught from 10 a.m.-noon on March 2 at the Woodstock City Hall Annex, 12453 Ga. 92, Woodstock. The course will provide one-on-one instruction. Registration is first-come, first-served and all participants must sign a waiver. More info: 770-592-6000 ext. 1134 Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Run raises $2,860 for special advocates

The Cherokee County Recreation and Parks Agency’s annual Guns and Hoses Run, for which runners signed up on either sheriff’s or fire department teams, raised $2,860 on Saturday for the Court Appointed Special Advocates agency. The nonprofit group trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the Cherokee County child welfare system. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Johns Creek issues new alarm ordinance

Johns Creek hopes new, escalating fines will reduce the 5,000-plus commercial and residential false security alarms that have kept it, Sandy Springs and Dunwoody emergency personnel from responding to meaningful calls each year.

A recently created ordinance increases fines for false alarms. After an initial few free, fines increase from $250 to $500. The ordinance also compels businesses and residents to register alarm systems with the city or be fined $100. Michael Alpert for the AJC

ATLANTA

Council weighs proposal for stadium

The Atlanta City Council’s deliberations on a proposed new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons will continue at 11:30 a.m. on today at City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. The council’s finance/executive committee will hold a work session in the City Council Chamber. The public meeting will allow elected officials to question the Falcons and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, which owns the Georgia Dome. meeting “will focus on the historical information and legislative history of the current Georgia Dome, its current condition and why a new Stadium construction is being proposed,” according to a press release. Residents will be able to comment at the end of the session, with a 3-minute time limit. The proceedings will be televised live on Comcast Cable Station 26; they can also be viewed via the web on www.atlantaga.gov Jeremiah McWilliams

Explosion sends manhole covers flying

Utility crews ventured below the streets of downtown Atlanta early Tuesday to find what caused an explosion that sent manhole covers flying Monday night. No one was injured when the underground explosion sent several manhole covers at least six feet into the air along Peachtree Street.

The blasts temporarily shut down Peachtree Street between Mitchell and Alabama streets and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between Pryor and Spring streets. Electricity was shut off to 10 nearby buildings.

The explosion was thought to be electrical and related to underground repairs, Fire Capt. Marian McDaniel told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Alexis Stevens

Blood drive Saturday at Still Waters UMC

Still Waters United Methodist Church along with the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church at 2650 N. Druid Hills Road N.E. in Atlanta. All blood types are needed, especially types O and B. Walk-ins are welcome but donors may schedule an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org. Staff

DEKALB

Students named to Junior Honor Society

Seven students at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School have been named members of the National Junior Honor Society.

They are Marie Grace, Thomas Pardue, Victor Sorescu, Maya Muhanna, Nathan Banks, Ali Grijak and Rush Lee.

National Junior Honor Society members must be in grades 7 or 8; possess an average of 93 or better in all core subjects; demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, and citizenship; and contribute service to the community.

Immaculate Heart of Mary School is at 2855 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta and has 500 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Nancy Badertscher

Walmart opposition group loses appeal

A community group battling to keep Walmart from opening a supercenter in Suburban Plaza just north of Decatur recently lost a local appeal on the issue.

The DeKalb Zoning Board of Appeals last week rejected Good Growth DeKalb’s contention that the county violated its own ordinances in giving Walmart a building permit for the project.

The 149,0000-square foot project can now move forward, unless the group files a lawsuit that could delay work. April Hunt

March for Babies walk to be in April

DeKalb County government is seeking residents and business owners to join county workers in the March of Dimes’ March for Babies walk in April.

Officials hope to encourage 500 volunteers to walk in the event and help raise $50,000 for the group’s programs such as neonatal intensive care support.

The 2013 walk will be held April 27 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

More information: 404-371-2038 or www.marchforbabies.org. April Hunt

Food drive to benefit community food bank

DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon and Solicitor Sherry Boston have kicked off a food drive to help residents struggling in the new year.

Donations of non-perishable food items will be donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which distributes to more than 58,000 families in the metro area weekly.

High-protein items such as tuna and peanut butter are especially needed, as are fruit juices and canned vegetables.

Food collection barrels will be set up through Feb. 28 in the lobbies of county buildings in Decatur: the Maloof Building, 1300 Commerce Dr.; the Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.; the DeKalb County Courthouse, N. McDonough St.; and the Tax Commissioner’s office, 4380 Memorial Dr. April Hunt

Little League signups through Feb.

The Belvedere Little League will hold registration for baseball for boys and girls (ages 4-12) from noon to 4 p.m. each Saturday through Feb. 23 at Shoal Creek Park, 3640 Glenwood Road, Decatur.

Register online at www.eteamz.com/belvederelittleleague2. Volunteer coaches are needed.

Information: 404-289-3073. Kenneth Musisi

SOUTHSIDE

Peachtree City named among safest cities

NeighborhoodScout.com has ranked Peachtree City number 63 in its 2013 listing of America’s Safest Cities.

The designation was based on the number of property and violent crimes per 1,000 residents in cities with 25,000 or more residents. Peachtree City ranked 67th last year.

Detailed statistics at www.neighborhoodscout.com/ga/peachtree-city/crime/. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

School to hold Holocaust program

After an in-depth study into the Tuskegee Airmen in the last school year, Henry County Middle School is focusing on the Holocaust as another aspect of the World War II era. Students and staff have spent the last month exploring this tragic period and cap off their studies with a dinner theater performance at 7 p.m. MondayThe Georgia Ensemble Theatre of Fulton County will present “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank,” a powerful, multi-media Holocaust drama. Representatives from the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern United States will be in attendance, and a Holocaust survivor is scheduled to speak at 5 p.m. Dinner is at 6, followed by a performance from the Henry Middle School Chorus and the production. Admission to the performance, guest speaker and dinner is $10 per person. Seating is limited – 250 tickets available. Info: 770-957-3945. Nancy Badertscher

Fayette hospital offers cardiology tour

Piedmont Fayette Hospital is hosting a Cardiology Open House 4-6 p.m. Thursdayas part of Heart Health Month. Staff will offer tours of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab along with heart-healthy refreshments and educational materials. Use the West Building entrance at 1255 Hwy. 54 West in Fayetteville. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Piedmont Henry earns new accreditation

Piedmont Henry Hospital recently earned another three-year accreditation in nuclear cardiology and vascular testing from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. Both procedures are advanced screenings to help identify various types of heart disease. Information: piedmonthenry.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Town hall meeting in Hampton today

Hampton city officials are hosting a town hall meeting today at 6 p.m. at the train depot downtown. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss possible projects involving West Main Street, such widening the road and making it one-way or leaving it as is. Information: 770-946-4306 or apippin@cityofhampton-ga.gov. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Christian school to hold open house

Arlington Christian School will have an open house for its 2013-14 school year at 3 p.m. Sunday and an in-session open house for the parents of current students at 9 a.m. Feb. 28 at the school, 4500 Ridge Road, Fairburn. Information: 770-964-9871, www.arlingtonchristian.org. Mea Watkins